All public masses within the Dioceses of Allentown and Scranton will be canceled, effective immediately.

Bishop Alfred Schlert said the decision was not made lightly, but rather through prayerful discussion and in cooperation with public health officials. The Diocese of Allentown consists of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill counties.

The Diocese of Scranton covers 11 counties and includes Our Lady Queen of Peace in Brodheadsville.

“This is a time for our priests to be with their people, and to be even closer with them, even though this change seems to distance them from their flocks,” Schlert said. “Let me assure you that priests will continue to be available to the faithful, and will be creative in the ways they serve the people entrusted to their care.”

Priests will continue to offer private Masses for the intentions of the faithful. They will continue to be available for confessions, but schedules may vary. Churches will remain open for extended periods of private prayer. Weddings, funerals and baptisms will continue, but attendance will be limited to family members.

Schlert said while he understands the strong connection that people have to their faith, he believes that it is in the best interest of all parishioners, and of the public at large, to further limit large gatherings. He also encouraged the faithful to pray with their family members frequently, and to pray the Rosary as a family, both for those affected by this pandemic and for all those who care for the ill at home, as first responders, and in hospitals and other institutions.

Some Masses will be broadcast on television and streamed online. Those options will be posted on the AD Today website, https://www.ad-today.com.

The Scranton Diocese will also be streaming Masses at www.dioceseofscranton.org.